"Mom, I need ten dollars. No, nine."
"Why?" I knew why, because he's been talking about it for days.
"Because I have a hundred dollars and a long board is a hundred and nine dollars."
"What about tax?"
"I have that in my wallet."
"Do you know what tax is?"
"No, but I think it's something good and I'm broke in my wallet."
Not sure where he got that idea, considering we don't even get tax returns.We just have to pay and pay...and pay. I always remind my husband that we should be happy to pay taxes, because it means he made more money. But I still hate to pay them. But I digress.
"I don't know about letting you spend that much money on something. Maybe it should be a Christmas present," I babbled.
He gave me a puppy dog look. Argh! This was getting tough. That kid is seriously cute. And he really, really wants a long board. Real bad. And it's his money. And I shouldn't be controlling. But I should teach him to make responsible choices, shouldn't I? This was my final answer:
"I'm not sure about this. It's a parenting issue. I need to ask my friends."
And he totally accepted that answer. So...it's up to you. Should I let him get it? From his perception of tax, it's obvious he's clueless about money. But he really wants the thing, and he does have money in the bank, even if he is "broke in his wallet." If I do let him get it, do I give him the nine dollars (and tax) or do I make him pay me back? Does the fact that I forgot to get him a present while I was in DC make a difference? My husband seems to have little to no opinion. Help!
Namasté, y'all!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
And he's the smart one.
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3 comments:
Agonizing!!!! I say let him work for the 9 plus tax and make it hard enough that he has to really think about it.... but I am still only the mother of an unborn (but FULL TERM) baby.
Tell me what you do!
See you soon.
Where did he get the $100? Did he save it up, or was it a gift?
My inclination is to say if it's his money let him spend it however he wants, but he should have to somehow earn/save up for the last 9+ dollars.
If he's old enough to use a long board, he's surely old enough to figure out some way to earn the money. Maybe he could make a list of extra chores he'd be willing to do for it.
Having grown up amid the surfer culture of the late 80's, I think it's neat to see a kid so dedicated to the sport. :)
I have no clue. You would think after raising 4 children, I would have the answer. It's so nice being an empty nester and not having to make such earth shattering decisions.
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